Secondary School Azevedo Neves / João Lúcio Lopes

Architects: João Lúcio Lopes
Location: Damaia, Portugal
Design Team: Gemma Vila, Madalena Caiado, Mariana Henriques
Area: 11,218 sqm
Year: 2011
Photographs: João Morgado, Courtesy of JLLA

Structural Enginner: Joaquim Almeida
Structural Design Team: Susana Reis
Mechanical Engineer: Carlos Leonor
Electrical Engineer: Helder Reis
Landscape Design: Conceição Candeias

Azevedo Neves Secondary School is situated in Damaia, outskirt area of Lisbon. The available land has a trapezoidal shape and a slope of 18 meters divided by four distinct platforms. The purpose was to recover the three existing blocks and add a new complementary program like a library, multi-sports areas, classrooms, multifunctional spaces, as well as some spaces for specific teaching and administration.

The project is structured by a central squared courtyard which is formed by a dark brick mass that connects the existing blocks and grabs the different land platforms. To the north, south and east the new volumetry grows involving the central courtyard, formalizing uses and distinct exterior and interior pathways, while at west side, the difference of levels turns the covered sports field more evident and autonomous.

The parallelepiped library is situated on the main entrance, at east, which can be accessed through a tower in the center of the courtyard, composed predominantly by a perforated white metal grille. The existing blocks, which organize the program of normal and specific classrooms are rehabilitated for new uses.